The administration of Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid has put up a notice outside the main gate banning the entry of ‘girls’ alone or in groups. As the issue sparked outrage in some quarters, the Shahi Imam stepped in, saying that the order did not apply to those offering prayers.
Sources in the administration said the notices, which have no date, came up a few days ago outside the three main entrances. However, it has just come to notice
“Jama Masjid mein ladki ya ladkiyon ka akele daakhla mana hai (The entry of a girl, or girls is not permitted in Jama Masjid),” reads the notice by the administration.
According to Shahi Imam Syed Ahmad Bukhari, the decision was taken after some “incidents” were reported in the premises of the heritage structure.
Bukhari told PTI, “Jama Masjid is a place of worship and people welcome it. But the girls come alone and wait for their dates.
“Any such place, whether it is a mosque, a temple or a gurudwara is a place of worship (a place of worship) and there is no restriction on anyone coming for that purpose. Just today a group of 20-25 girls came And they were allowed to enter,” Bukhari said.
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal termed it a violation of women’s rights and said she is issuing notices.
“Banning women into Jama Masjid is completely wrong. Women have the same right to worship as a man has. I am issuing notice to the Imam of Jama Masjid.”
No one has the right to ban entry of women like this,” he said on Twitter.
The 17th century Mughal era monument attracts thousands of devotees as well as tourists.
